Florida executes Manuel Valle 28 Sept. 2011

his gaunt, old body
strapped to a gurney waiting
for a lethal dose

Rosary

Rosary held
by hands once smooth now gnarled
promises kept

skate key

rusty skate key
found in a crowded attic
bruised knee memories

lost symphonies

faded ticket stub
found in an old coat's pocket
lost symphonies

9/11 shadows

Bright autumn morning
bluest of skies overhead
then two dark shadows

Tuesday morning, 9/11/2001

Ordinary morning
bluest of skies, crisp, clear air
until the shadows

City Blackbirds

umbrellas take flight
on a windy afternoon
so many blackbirds